The reaction in the United States to this migration phenomenon has ranged from compassion to hostility. Some elected officials blame lax enforcement policies or lenient laws for the problem. Such assertions reveal a misunderstanding of the reality facing these children. They are threatened by gangs every day in school, on public transportation and in their neighborhoods with violence and death.

What should the United States do to respond to this challenge? Consistent with domestic and international law, we should provide shelter and care to these children and a chance to remain if they can show in immigration court that return could result in bodily harm or death. In a recent survey, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees found that nearly 60% of children had legitimate claims to international legal protection.

Cutting short the legal process is one way many of these children could be returned to their persecutors. Additional resources for immigration judges are needed to meet the increased demand, but care must be taken so that these vulnerable children can present their cases with legal representation and the right to appeal, consistent with due process rights. Mental health and other social service support should be available to help them overcome the trauma of their journey and better articulate their fear of return.

Sending immigration judges into shelters to conduct hearings threatens these due process criteria and the ability of these children to obtain the legal protection they may deserve.

The United States must work with Central American governments to address the push factors of violence, insecurity and the lack of opportunity. In the meantime, we must join together as a nation to support these children, consistent with the law and with our values.

Mark J. Seitz is the bishop of El Paso and a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.